Rubinstead

Given that a staple of Tyshan architecture is the tall, leaning buildings and narrow streets, it is clear upon first glance that Rubinstead is not a typical Tyshan city. Rather, it bears resemblance to the townships of Agder, a great stone foundation covered in wooden buildings, wide streets, and a great hall. The buildings themselves resemble shorter Tyshan constructions, while maintaining the scattering of aesthetic towers seen in Honrich and Witehollow. Each home has its own surrounding fence, giving the occupants room to nurture their own gardens or animal pens, and when you look up, you see open sky rather than encroaching rooftops and clotheslines strung across streets. The fashion remains very much Tyshan, but with elements of Agdane influence: fur collars, golden ornaments, bone hair pins. The air is clear, free from the grip of smokestacks and elemental engines found all across the north. Instead, the scent of herbs and plants hangs heavy, as the city is surrounded by large sweeping fields of crops and produce. Carts full of wheat and sugar beets clatter across town pulled by trained auroch as the kingdom's largest food producer continues along quietly, keeping the rest of the cities alive while it carefully watches the only mountain pass into Agder for military men.    The open trade with Tysha's eastern cousin is something of a held breath, each side waiting for the other to make a move. While neither would benefit from open war, they cannot help but be suspicious after years of fighting between allies. Tysha remains a member of the Order of Aristea, a long time enemy of Agder, and it would be foolish to not watch a pass with such intensity. The Zephyr Pass is one of the most heavily guarded regions on the continent, and some Rushalan squads have become so skilled in mountain survival that they have not returned home in decades, dedicating their lives to the watch. If word was sent to them of a treaty being signed, they'd likely assume it to be a lie manufactured by their Agdane enemies and kill the messenger. However, this trade route does benefit Rubinstead greatly. The ancient farming techniques used to cultivate such successful harvests are all taught by Agdane farmers, and have been practiced this far north since the First Age. Pocketwatches are traded for fine furs and pelts, Rushalan potions for Agdane blades; its a celebration of two very opposing cultures being brought together to raise the town to new heights, all thanks to the charade of peace put on by governments who do not even live in the region.